The Baltimore Ravens have made another significant move to bolster their practice squad as they continue to fine-tune their roster for the upcoming season. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the Ravens have signed Malik Cunningham, a versatile player who has made a notable transition from quarterback to wide receiver, to their practice squad. Cunningham’s addition comes after he was released earlier this week as part of the team’s roster cutdowns to 53 players. Following his release, Cunningham cleared waivers, which allowed him to rejoin the Ravens.
In addition to Cunningham, Baltimore has also signed several other players to their practice squad. These additions include quarterback Devin Leary, defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell, center Darrian Dalcourt, cornerback Ka’Dar Hollman, wide receiver Dayton Wade, running backs John Kelley and Chris Collier, and outside linebacker Joe Evans. The NFL permits each team to carry up to 16 players on their practice squad, providing them with a valuable resource for player development and injury management throughout the season.
Cunningham’s journey to this point has been quite eventful. He originally entered the NFL as a quarterback following a standout five-year collegiate career at Louisville, where he played alongside Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback. Despite his college success, Cunningham went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and subsequently signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent. During the preseason of his rookie year, Cunningham showcased his impressive playmaking skills, but he was eventually waived by the Patriots after a stint on their active roster.
The Ravens saw potential in Cunningham and brought him onto their roster in October of last season. Initially, Cunningham appeared in just one game, and the Ravens decided to experiment by shifting him from quarterback to wide receiver. This move reflects the team’s belief in Cunningham’s versatility and potential as a playmaker in a new role.
This preseason, Cunningham has made strides in his new position, recording four catches for 34 yards over three games. Transitioning to a new position is often a challenging process, and Cunningham’s development will be closely monitored as he continues to adapt to the wide receiver role. Having him on the practice squad will provide him with the opportunity to refine his skills and become more familiar with the nuances of playing receiver.
As the Ravens prepare for the season, the wide receiver position remains an area of significant interest. Zay Flowers has emerged as the team’s top receiver following an impressive rookie season in which he led the team with 77 receptions for 858 yards and five touchdowns. The Ravens are now evaluating who will step up to complement Flowers in the receiving corps. Players such as Tylan Wallace, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and 2024 fourth-round pick DeVontez Walker are all potential candidates for this role.
Cunningham’s progress and performance will be closely watched as the season unfolds. If he continues to develop and adjust to his new position, there is a possibility that he could become a reliable option for the Ravens. The team’s decision to keep Cunningham on the practice squad suggests they are committed to nurturing his growth and exploring his potential as a key contributor in the future.
Overall, the Ravens’ strategic moves in building their practice squad reflect a blend of immediate needs and long-term development, as they work to assemble a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
